Health care
Last updated on September 4, 2024In British Columbia, the Ministry of Health, health authorities, and many partner organizations work together to deliver health care programs and services. Find out how you can access these services when you are new to the province.
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The purpose of this page is to provide access to B.C. health care information which is available in multiple languages.
On this page
In B.C., the public insurance plan is the Medical Services Plan (MSP). For eligible B.C. residents, MSP pays for medically required services of physicians and surgeons, and dental or oral surgery performed in a hospital. You must be a B.C. resident to qualify for medical coverage under MSP and all eligible residents must enrol in the program. After you have registered for MSP and if you are eligible, you will get a BC Services Card with a personal health insurance identification number, which you will need to access health services.
- Read about residency and eligibility for the Medical Services Plan
- Apply for B.C. health and drug coverage
- Learn more about the BC Service Card
Health authorities receive public funding and deliver various programs and services in their region. Find out which health authority is responsible for your community and the services available in your area.
WelcomeBC provides information on various aspects of health care in the Daily Life section. Parts of this health information are available in multiple languages in the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide (PDF, 7MB). You will find information on topics such as registering for MSP, finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and getting information in your language through HealthLink BC.
Service and information topics
Find a doctor or nurse practitioner
If you live in British Columbia and need a family doctor (also known as a family physician or general practitioner) or nurse practitioner, register for the Health Connect Registry or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to register in languages other than English. This service is available in more than 130 languages.
Check your symptoms to learn when to monitor at home, go to a walk in clinic or an urgent primary care centre, or when to go to the emergency department.
You can get information on credentials and spoken language of family doctors currently registered and licensed at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
Pharmacy services
With a BC Services Card you can book an appointment to see a pharmacist free of charge for many common illnesses (ailments) and to get a prescription for contraception.
Learn about pharmacy services.
Contact Service BC for questions about Pharmacare or coverage. Help is available in other languages.
Immunization
Influenza and COVID-19 immunization
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 can cause serious illness during fall and winter as people spend more time indoors. The best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting a flu shot every year and your updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Flu and COVID-19 Immunizations are free of charge for B.C. residents. If you haven’t already done so, you can register online using the provincial Get Vaccinated system, or call the Get Vaccinated line at 1-833-838-2323. People who are already registered will receive an invitation to book when it is their time to book an appointment.
Immunization is important to protect yourself, your family and other people in your community from many vaccine-preventable illnesses. To learn about B.C.’s immunization programs for children, adults, seniors and individuals at high risk, visit the pages below (information available in various languages):